Another harbor freight trailer build

I have mesh on mine, and while it does stretch under load, and does make carying stuff like dirt more difficult, it is easy to keep clean, doesn't retain water, and gives unlimited anchor points for odd cargo.

I used expanded metal for a couple of reasons. First off it is much thinner than a 3/4 sheet of plywood. Second it is approximately 30% lighter than an untreated sheet of plywood dry (making it easier to fold alone). Third is I also ride trails and mx I want something I can power wash my bikes on easier. The down fall is having a floor that is more prone to sagging. I feel with proper supports that I will minimize that.

I used 3/8 16 all thread, which is the same thread on the nuts that come with the trailer. And I used 1/2 tubing cut to fit as the spacer. I welded them to the frame slipped on the fender and now each fender is bolted down with four bolts, all spread out.

I also got some 3/8 16 x 1" carriage bolts and installed them from the bottom up, on the original two holes that holds the fender on. The reason I did that was because with my new tires being slightly taller, under load the threads that stick down may have contacted the tire and sliced into it. That would be bad...
I trimmed the extra thread sticking up after the pictures were taken.

As the former owner of one of these trailers I can tell you I always hated the way the tail lights stuck out on either side. They are very vulnerable to damage. Since you have a welder you might want to make up some kind of enclosure for them while you are at it.

I owned a similar trailer in the past. My only suggestions are to replace the garbage castors that bolt to the trailer with better quality ones and weld them on... it makes all the difference because the shitty ones that come standard fall apart when the balls fall out. I always considered welding the rest of the frame but never got around to it and just sold it and bought an enclosed trailer instead.

Also, being chinese steel... these rust. Make sure you stay on top of the rust with some wire and spray paint.

Do the wires get pinched when you fold it flat? I remember my trailer rubbed together there along the two halves.

I owned a similar trailer in the past. My only suggestions are to replace the garbage castors that bolt to the trailer with better quality ones and weld them on... it makes all the difference because the shitty ones that come standard fall apart when the balls fall out. I always considered welding the rest of the frame but never got around to it and just sold it and bought an enclosed trailer instead.

Also, being chinese steel... these rust. Make sure you stay on top of the rust with some wire and spray paint.

Do the wires get pinched when you fold it flat? I remember my trailer rubbed together there along the two halves.

Click to expand...

Chinese steel isn't the problem, it is the cheap powder coating. All steel will rust if exposed.